In a series of events which were being speculated since a bit of time, VK Sasikala was elected the leader of legislators of AIADMK, clearing her way of become the Tamilnadu CM, exactly 2 months after the death of former Tamilnadu CM Jayalalithaa.
At a meeting of AIADMK legislators and leaders on Sunday, Sasikala was unanimously elected the leader of AIADMK legislators. In the same meeting, current Tamilnadu CM, O Panneerselvam announced his resignation. In the official resignation letter sent to the governor, O Panneerselvam cited personal reasons behind leaving the post of CM.
The meeting was held at Poes Garden residence in Chennai, which used to be the residence of late Tamilnadu CM, Jayalalithaa. VK Sasikala is staying at the same address ever since the death of Jayalalithaa on december 5. The news was officially announced by AIADMK twitter handle, which quoted Sasikala saying that the decision of becoming CM was taken after Pannerselvam insisted her to take the position. The government will follow the principles of Amma and it will always work for the welfare of people.
According to a PTI report, Sasikala was in praise for O Panneerselvam stating that he has always been loyal to the party and the top leadership. Whenever there was a need to fill in for the place of Amma, before or after her death, he took the opportunity without second thoughts and always gave his best for the state.
VK Sasikala, also known as Chinnamma in the party and state, was a close aid for Jayalalithaa since many years. After the 2011 case, where Sasikala faced allegations of poisoning Jayalalithaa for her personal and political gains, the distance between the two increased. However, after she apologized to Jayalalithaa, she was forgiven and maintained close relations with her till her death.
The swearing in ceremony for Sasikala might take place on Tuesday or Thursday.